At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the full employee lifecycle and provide HR support across the business.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on people and operations with a strong growth culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship from CPO, and support for CIPD qualifications.
- Other info: Clear pathway to HR Manager role with opportunities for strategic involvement.
- Why this job: Take ownership of HR processes and shape the future of the company’s people function.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR roles and a proactive attitude towards learning and growth.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a proactive and hands‑on People & Operations Partner to take ownership of the full employee lifecycle in a standalone HR role. This is a broad, high‑impact position covering HR administration, operations, advisory support, and policy development. You’ll work closely with the Chief People Officer while acting as the go‑to person for all day‑to‑day HR matters. This is an ideal step‑up opportunity for someone ready to transition into a more autonomous role, with a clear pathway to grow into an HR Manager position in the near term.
Key Responsibilities
- HR Administration & Operations
- Own and manage all core HR processes across the employee lifecycle (onboarding, offboarding, contracts, changes)
- Maintain accurate and compliant employee records and HR systems
- Administer payroll inputs, benefits, and leave management
- Ensure HR documentation and processes are efficient, scalable, and well‑organised
- Act as the first point of contact for HR queries across the business
- Advisory & Employee Support
- Provide practical, first‑line HR advice to managers and employees
- Support employee relations matters, including performance, absence, and disciplinary processes
- Coach managers on people‑related best practices and decision‑making
- Escalate complex issues appropriately to the CPO
- Policy & Process Development
- Review, update, and implement HR policies in line with employment legislation and best practice
- Help build and refine HR processes as the company grows
- Drive consistency and fairness across people practices
- Reporting & Insights
- Produce regular HR reports and metrics (headcount, turnover, absence, etc.)
- Support the CPO with data‑driven insights to inform people strategy
- Identify trends and recommend improvements
- Projects & Continuous Improvement
- Support and lead HR initiatives (e.g. engagement, performance frameworks, systems improvements)
- Contribute to building a strong, positive company culture
- Continuously look for ways to improve efficiency and employee experience
About You
- Experience in an HR/People role (e.g., HR Coordinator, Advisor, or similar)
- Ready to step into a more autonomous, generalist role with full ownership
- Strong understanding of HR fundamentals and employment practices
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Confident communicator with the ability to build trust across all levels
- Comfortable balancing operational tasks with advisory responsibilities
- Proactive, solutions‑focused, and eager to grow
Growth Opportunity
This role is designed as a progression opportunity into an HR Manager position. As the business grows, you’ll have the chance to expand your scope, take on more strategic responsibility, and play a key role in shaping the people function. We are also offering support and sponsorship for you to obtain CIPD qualifications.
Why This Role?
- High ownership and visibility across the business
- Direct exposure to and mentorship from an experienced CPO
- Opportunity to shape and build HR practices from the ground up
- Clear and supported progression into a leadership role
HR Generalist employer: Verne
Verne is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about engineering and design. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer continuous learning opportunities and the chance to lead impactful projects in the dynamic data centre sector across France. Our commitment to quality and compliance ensures that you will be part of a team that values excellence and integrity in every project.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Generalist
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Verne!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Verne.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Generalist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Verne. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Verne and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Verne. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Verne's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Verne
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Verne.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Verne will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Verne and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.